- Students wearing sneakers, especially during the Elementary school years, allows children to participate in many activities without restriction. Children are movers by nature. They are given more opportunity to move safely when they are wearing sneakers. Recess, PE, and classroom activities, are just some of the places that sneakers will help a child move safely.
- To promote personal and social responsibility, all 4th and 5th grade classes are in a "Sneaker race". When each student in their class comes to Physical Education wearing sneakers, they can color in a piece of a chart. Once they fill in each piece in a column, they earn a PE activity of their choice.
- Sneakers for Physical Education should have laces, or velcro, or both. Sneakers should have ankle support and fit the child's foot well. Sneakers have rubber soles and will stay on the foot during intense activity.
- My theory on sneakers in PE - Children will NOT automatically sit out if they come wearing anything other than sneakers. They will participate and be reminded about why sneakers are helpful to their movement. If they are consistently not wearing sneakers, a note will be sent home to remind them to come to PE with sneakers.
- While I enjoy the comfort of Toms, Crocs, Flip flops, and slides, they are not adequate for Physical Education.
- Yes, the warmth and water-resistance that winter boots provide children are superb when walking to and from school, or when playing in snow, but the clunkiness and comfort level make them difficult for children to participate in physical activity, and make their feet very hot when worn all day in school.
